Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Troubling Views on Race and Minnesota's History

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who would likely become Minnesota's governor if Tim Walz becomes vice president, has made controversial statements about race relations in the state and expressed support for the destruction of historic statues.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, second-in-command to Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has made a series of concerning statements about race relations in the state and expressed support for the destruction of historic statues. Her views have raised questions about her fitness to potentially become governor.

Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, has claimed that Minnesota is only a good place to live for White people and supported the takedown of the Christopher Columbus statue at the Minnesota State Capitol during the height of George Floyd unrest. She has also expressed opposition to alleged colonialism and said that she believes the state's government was created to be a vehicle of genocide.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Troubling Views on Race and Minnesota's History

In July 2020, Flanagan said that living in Minnesota posed problems for people of color, even after Walz became governor. "Minnesota is a great place to live, to work, to raise a family – if you're White. But if you're a person of color, if you live in a particular zip code, the opportunities you have to thrive are limited. In fact, your ability to simply live or survive is in question," she said.

Flanagan added that she believes the state's government was created to be a vehicle of genocide. "[A] breath of protection because I know that I am walking into a building that was… created to eliminate a race and silence us. And by us, I mean people of color and Indigenous folks," she said in 2020.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Troubling Views on Race and Minnesota's History

Flanagan's comments have drawn criticism from Republicans and some members of her own party. "These are extreme and dangerous views that have no place in Minnesota," said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann.

Democratic Party of Minnesota Chairman Ken Martin said that he does not agree with Flanagan's views on race relations and believes that she owes an apology to those who have been offended by her comments.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Troubling Views on Race and Minnesota's History

Walz's administration has not responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Flanagan's statements. However, Walz has previously said that he does not agree with all of Flanagan's views on race relations.

If Walz were to become vice president, Flanagan would likely become Minnesota's governor. Her controversial statements have raised concerns about her ability to lead the state.

* Flanagan's opposition to alleged colonialism has led her to support the removal of historic statues, including the Christopher Columbus statue at the Minnesota State Capitol.

* The statue, which had stood on the state Capitol grounds for nearly 90 years, was funded by Italian Americans as recognition of their heritage.

* Walz's administration never restored the statue and instead removed the commemorative plaque that recognized Columbus' achievement as an explorer.

* Flanagan's support for the removal of the statue angered Italian Americans in Minnesota.

* Flanagan has also expressed support for the unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

* In June 2020, she said that she would not "feign sadness" or "shed a tear" over the loss of a statue.

* Her comments have drawn criticism from some members of her own party, who believe that she owes an apology to those who have been offended.

* Walz has previously said that he does not agree with all of Flanagan's views on race relations.

* If Walz were to become vice president, Flanagan would likely become Minnesota's governor.

* Her controversial statements have raised concerns about her ability to lead the state.